Which is the better deal for Halloween decorations in 2024?

Every year, stores start getting their Halloween decorations on shelves earlier. It was barely mid-August when Midwest-based home improvement store Menards began offering a new line of Halloween animatronics, blow-ups, collectible houses and more. The Home Depot wasn’t far behind, and its 12-foot-tall skeleton Skelly took center stage in store displays.

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Let’s take a look at some of the top products from each retailer and then assess which store has the best deals on Halloween decorations in 2024.

Home Depot: Servo Skelly

This 12-foot-tall skeleton rose to fame on TikTok and wasn’t easy to find in stores last year. The Home Depot website has set a limit of 1 Servo Skelly with Motorized Moving Head ($379) or Giant-Sized Skelly ($299) per customer. Both models feature 8-function LCD LifeEyes. These are not discounted but are only available at The Home Depot.

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Menards: Pumpkin Hollow 7′ Animated LED Bad Seed Pumpkin

This 7-foot tall pumpkin head creature with glowing LED eyes may not be as imposing as Skelly, but movement and sound bring him to life in a terrifying way that will add a whole new dimension to your Halloween garden decor. Now through September 2, 2024, save 11% off the retail price of $299 and pay just $266 after the Menards credit.

Home Depot: Straw Bales

Hay or straw bales add a festive fall mood to Halloween and usually last through Thanksgiving. Get a full-size straw bale (20″ x 16″ x 36″) for $27.97, a 20% savings.

Menards: Pumpkin Hollow Straw Bales

Menards’ 24-inch straw bale is just a foot smaller than The Home Depot’s straw bale and is less than half the price at $12.81 (with 11% off). Menards offers the better deal, and a smaller bale may even offer more flexibility for your Halloween decorations.

Home Depot: 10.5″ Dancing Skeleton Made of Polyresin

Skeletons are going to be a big hit this Halloween. These three dancing guys, demurely dressed in top hats and bow ties, will be the life of your party. The 10.5-inch skeleton tabletop display is only $35 at The Home Depot. Keep in mind that this polyresin display does not move or light up.

Menards: Trick or Treat House

Menards has an extensive collection of tabletop haunted houses that we love. This haunted house lights up with the included LEDs and is hand-painted with intricate details. It stands just over 10.5 inches tall. It’s only $44 with 11% off at Menards now through September 2, 2024.

Home Depot: 7.75-inch block sign

This simple 7.75″ wooden sign reads “Happy Halloween” and is perfect for your mantel or table. Save $2 (10%) now when you get this sign for $18 at The Home Depot.

Menards: 6-inch block sign

Menards also offers a wide selection of Halloween table and mantel decorations. This 6-inch sign warns visitors, “This house is a little crazy.” It’s currently only $4.44 at Menards.

Home Depot: LED Vampire Donald Duck

The Home Depot has an eye-catching collection of inflatables for every holiday, and this Halloween is no exception. Disney fans will love this 3-foot-tall Donald Duck in a vampire costume for just $35. It features a built-in LED for nighttime visibility.

Menards: Disney 5″ Animated Movie “Vampire Stitch”

Menards’ new line of licensed Disney inflatables caught our eye during our visit in August, including this adorable Stitch popping out of a jack-o-lantern dressed as a vampire. The display stands 5 feet tall and is illuminated by LEDs. It’s currently priced at $80 with 11% off.

Pros and Cons of Home Depot for Halloween

Generally, The Home Depot’s prices are a little higher than Menards for similar Halloween decorations. Still, it looks like there will be more sales to come, as many items are not yet discounted. The Home Depot often has the hottest Halloween items of the year, so if you’re looking for something specific that’s trending on social media, The Home Depot should be your first stop.

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Disadvantages

Menards Pros and Cons for Halloween

Menards is known for its low prices, but there are a few caveats. The 11% savings applies to in-store purchases only and can only be used as a credit toward future purchases. That said, Menards generally has lower prices and a great selection of fun and fashionable fall home decor.